Meet new Furetank CEO Björn Stignor

A long-time fond and respectful connection, shared values, timing in life, and the passion for technical innovation and growth made Björn Stignor accept the position as CEO of Furetank. As of today October 1st, he closes a loop by returning to the roots of his maritime career in intermediate tanker shipping.

Björn Stignor has returned to Sweden after 13 years in Singapore heading Golden-Agri Stena, a joint venture between Stena and Golden Agri International. With two grown children who just moved out, Björn Stignor and his Australian wife Tracy decided it was time to move on career-wise and geographically.

The timing was great with Furetank owner and former CEO Lars Höglund looking to hand over operative leadership to a leader who shares company values and brings a boost of international experience into the family-owned company.

Shipping career from early years

Björn Stignor and Furetank first crossed paths many years ago. Stignor has a Master Mariner degree and started his officer’s career with Star Cruises, progressing to Captain level with Broströms. In 2002 he transferred to the commercial side as an operator and subsequently to the chartering department. This is where he got to know Lars Höglund and other Furetank coworkers.

Moving on to the Stena sphere in 2007, he got the opportunity to head the joint venture today called Golden-Agri Stena in Singapore. Björn Stignor describes wearing many hats during these years, in a shipping company owning, commercially managing and pool operating tanker vessels. He was also the head of freight for Golden Agri, moving 5 million liquid tonnes yearly and another million tonnes of container shipments.

– When the first Vinga vessel had been delivered in China and passed Singapore, Lars asked if I wanted to come on board. It was like candy for someone like me, to see all the technical solutions and listen to their passionate talk about development. I am incredibly impressed with Furetank’s conviction in designing these state-of-the-art vessels, with great timing in the market while also placing themselves at the forefront of environmental vessel technology. This boldness is very attractive to me, Björn Stignor says.

Closing a loop in life

He brings to Furetank a wide repertoire of experience from two continents, commercially but also technically since the start of his career on board intermediate tankers.

– I always loved this trade and it feels great to be back. I appreciate the size of Furetank, where you can get to know all employees and be friendly with everyone. I also have good experiences from my years in family businesses, reporting to the owners and working with the older and younger generation. I think I can complement Lars’ work, take over the baton, and take on the responsibility for Furetank's continued expansion.